I cannot figure out what is the *best* way to play a pair of 7-8-9s in early position. Should I… …RAISE, hoping to narrow the field, then maybe I can win without improving? …or CALL, thinking that I need a baby flop, or a set to win, and maybe make more $$$ if I make the hand.
Answer 1:
It depends. It most games, most of the time, how you play them after the flop makes most of the difference. And in most games most of the time whether you limp, raise, or fold these hands out of position won’t matter much to your bottom line.
Answer 2:
Middle pocket pairs, especially in early position, can be some of the trickier hands to play. Good assessment of the game is helpful here. If the game is loose and passive, then limping in early can be +EV. However, in most average games, if I decide to play those hands up front I prefer to open with a raise because:
1) I can win the blinds;
2) I drive out other players;
3) I can limit the field to heads-up or three handed;
4) I can take the initiative post flop;
5) I minimize the information about my hand by usually opening for a
raise.
This requires playing well post flop and knowing when to be aggressive and when to shut down.
Answer 3:
Because they play well only against one or many players I only play these if the table is passive. Now I also play in Colorado, so these pairs are monsters if they flop a set since I can bet the max post flop.
Where is the best place to fly into when going to Foxwoods?
